Mike Burke: Why are so many people still using cell phones while they drive and other reasons to wonder, "How come?"

The Republican / File photoA motorist talks on a cell phone while driving in West Springfield.

Today is my annual “How come?” day.

• How come I don’t care if there is no pro football season next year? I don’t, and I am sick and tired of listening and reading about those greedy folks fight over billions of dollars.

• How come people still don’t pull over to the side of the road when safety vehicles are approaching? Because people are so self-absorbed, that’s why.

• How come I have fun watching little kids play baseball and I get all tensed up and nervous watching the Boston Red Sox? Different game, that’s why.

• How come I would never dance, except when I go to a wedding and then I think I can at least do a step or two like Fred Astaire?

• How come people don’t have change ready at toll booths when they know they have been aiming for one for at least 10 miles? Watching someone fumble with money at a toll booth is one of the most frustrating scenes of all time. Except, that is, when you are in the grocery store and someone has to count out 99 pennies. That’s worse.

• How come after all the statistics that show people on cell phones cause accidents, people are still on cell phones? And, speaking of delays, have you been behind someone at a red light turning green and the driver in front of you is talking on their cell phone and they don’t see the change in the light? I have and that’s why they have horns on cars. Mine works, believe me.

• How come when they have a John Wayne all-day movie fest I watch them all even though I’ve seen them many times? Because I like John Wayne, that’s why.

• How come there are so many Boston Bruins fans around now? I mean I have stuck with the team forever, ask my friends, while others claimed to “not like” hockey. Huh? What’s not to like? It’s fast, you have to be unbelievably tough to play the game and there is action galore. There are many strong, longtime Bruins fans around, and I wish us the best in this Stanley Cup series.

• How come I like picnic season so much? Because it is the time of year to eat well, have a few drinks and get together with friends and family in a nice, easy-to-take situation.

Michael J. Burke, of Holyoke, is retired from The Republican. He can be reached at
ekrubm@verizon.net